Power apparatus with travel control



April 12, 1949- E. A. RocKwELL POWER APPARATUS WITH TRAVEL CONTROL Original Filed June 13, 1941 @www y ||v VQ IIIIIIIIIIII l.|.,ll|l|v "Y LQ il' INVENTOR Edward fQ. Roc'well BY mw L` ATTORNEY Patented 'Apr'. 12, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT orner.-

rowaaarraolr'lsovlvrrnmm A. Rockwell, Cleveland, Ohio 1s claim. (cl. sof-54.5)

My invention relates particularly to an apparatus designed for actuating the movement of any desired part in such a way as to coordinate the travel of said part with the travel of the means which actuates the same, the same being accomplished by the interposition of a fluid, as for example hydraulic liquid with an advantageous mode of liquid compensation.

'Ihis application is a division of my application upon Travel control actuating device, Ser. No. 397,896, filed June 13, 1941, Pat. No. 2,372,014, granted March 20, 1945.

'I'he object of my invention is to provide an apparatus of the above character whereby parts to be moved may .be effectively operated through the agency ofa fluid while coordinating the travel of the part to be Vmoved with the means for moving the same. A further object is to accomplish this by applying any desired modulated pressure at any point in the said movement. One of the objects, furthermore, is to apply the travel control mechanism to the operation of air brake systems, that is to say air brakes operated by the 2 ton I9 is retractedby a spring I5. The liquid discharged from the master cylinder 9 is supplied by a pipe I9 to an inlet port I1 which is located in a plunger housing I9 having therein a chamber I9. The chamber I9 can be vented from time to time, as desired, through a passageway 29 leading to an air bleeder screw plug 2l' having a transverse passageway 2Ia leading to a longitudinal passageway 2lb which is adapted to be closed normally by a removable screw plug 2Ic. Within the chamber I9 there is a plunger 22 having a U-shaped rubber seal 29 carried in an annular recess 24 on the forward part of said plunger. The rearof said plunger 22 has an exapplication of compressed air. Further objects of my invention will appear from the detailed description of the same hereinafter.

While my invention is capable of embodiment in many different forms for the purpose of illustration I have shown only one form of the same in the vaccompanying drawing, in which- The figure is a diagrammatic vertical section showing a travel controlled air brake system operated with compressed air.

In-the drawing, the travel control features of my invention are applied to the operation of antomotive vehicle brake systems including the use of compressed air. As shown in the figure, I have provided a pedal I carried by a fixed pivot 2 on the chassis of an automobile (not shown). The pedal I' is pivotally connected by a link 9 to an operating lever 4mounted on a shaft 5 extending into a master cylinder 2, which may be of any desired construction, as for example the master cylinder as disclosed in the Loughead Patent No. 1,707,063, granted Marchio, 1929, on Pressure mechanism for brake systems. As shown in the drawing, for example, the master cylinder 9 may have the usual reservoir 1 and the usual filling cap 9 as well as the usual ventv 9. The shaft 5 which extends into the master cylinder 6, furthermore, may be provided with an operating lever Il which bears on a piston II in a cylinder ll2 provided with a piston I2 so placed that in the retracted position thereof -it uncovers a compensating port It. The said pistension 25 which is arranged to move rearwardly a valve plunger 29 having a screw head 21 thereon holding in place a leather gasket 29. Between the extension 25 and the screw head 21 there is a space 29 which is vented to the outer air through a small port 29. The rear end ofthe valve plunger 29 has a flange 2I which extends over the end o'f the plunger housing I9 within a valve casing 92. The said valve casing 92 has an inlet port v92 which is adapted to be connected with any suitable source of compressed air. The compressed airthus admitted is received in an annular chamber 94 on the periphery of a cylindrical valve member 95 located in a cylindricalchamber 99 in the valve casing 22 within which it is sealed by a leather gasket 91 which is located adjacent to a flange 21 on an internal tubular valve member 29 located within the valve member 95. The said internal tubular valve member 29 is,ffurthermore, provided with an annular valve element 4II which cooperates with a valve seat 4| on the valve plunger 29. Adjacent to the chamber 94 the valve member 95 has located thereon a tapered valve element 42 which cooperates lwith a valve 42 on the valve casing 22. When the conical valve 42 is un'seated the compressed air is then admitted to an annular rchamber 44 in the casing 92, which in turn admits the air through radial ports 45 in the valve member 25 to a cylindrical chamber 46 in the cylindrical valve member in which chamber the internal valve member 99 is located. The air thus admitted tothe chamber 46 can pass through radial openings 41 .in the internal tubular valve member 29 to a cylindrical chamber a rod 59 which passes through the end of the vent hole 85 therein.

I a valve member 35 and is held in place thereon by a nut I which. by means oi a washer 52. clamps 56. The said head 55 and the p unger housing' I8 can be secured to the valve casing 32 in any mitted to the chamber 48, when the valve 40, 4|

` desired way. The compressed air when aclis in closed position, passes out by an air pres-' sure port 51 by a pipe 58 to an inlet port 48 in'v a forward shell 6|! of a compressed air power unit,

8|. This supply oi' compressed air through the pipe 58 will not take place, however, until after suilicient pressure has been exerted through the pipe II so as to move the plunger 22, close the l,

valve 4U, 4I and open the valve 42, 43. Before the said valves are moved in this way, however,

the manual hydraulic pressure will have passed initially from the chamber I9 through an 4outlet port 62 and thence through a pipe 63 to an inlet port 64 on the forward shell B0 of the power unit 6 I'. The inlet port 84 communicates with a monitor chamber 65 having an air bleeder 60 constructed like the air bleeders previously described herein, and extending into the said chamber there is a monitor plunger 81 which passes l through an annular rubber seal 68, a washer 69, adjacent to which there is a venting port 10, and then through a leather washer 1I held in place by a screw-threaded guiding sleeve 12 at the end of the chamber 65. The rear end of the monitor plunger 61 is flat and rests against a flexible diaphragm 13 of any desired material impervious to the air, as for example a laminated oil-treated woven fabric; the said diaphragm being clamped at its periphery between the shell 60 and a rear shell 14 by means of screws 15. Against the rear face of the ilexible diaphragm 13 a head 16 rests, which head is carried on a piston rod 11 by being screwthreaded to a recessed ring 18 attached to said head 16. A coil spring 19, requiring less force for its compression than the spring 54, rests at one end against the ring 18 and at the other end against the interior of the shell 14. The piston rod 11 passes out through a screw-threaded bushing 80 and thence through a liquid-tight packing 8l to the interior of a master cylinder 82 having a filling chamber 83 at the upper portion thereof closed by a filling cap 84 having a Below the chamber 83 there is a cylinder 86 carrying a piston 81 having a recess 88 in which a rounded end 88 of the piston rod 11 rests. The liquid put under pressure in the cylinder 86 passes out of the mast cylinder through an outlet port 90 having a pipe 9| connected thereto which leads to the'usual wheel brake cylinders (not shown) located on the au'- tomobile chassis.

In the operation of my invention, the apparatus disclosed herein is designed for the operation of compressed air brakes applied to any desired type of vehicle. In fact this apparatus is also designed so that it may be applied in the operation of present forms of air brake systems carried by automobiles or airplanes. In the apparatus shown, the manually supplied hydraulic liquid received from the master cylinder enters the port 1 and thence passes into the cylinder 65 having the monitor plunger 61 therein, by the movement of which the brakes may be manually applied by moving the plunger 11, master cylinder piston 81 and, accordingly, the hydraulic liq- ,4 uid supplied through the port Il passes to the brake cylinders for operating the brakes manually. Due to the movement rearwardly of the' vinlet valve 42 against the opposition of the spring 54 which is strong enough to normally seat the valve 42 when the manual pressure is relaxed, thereby permitting air pressure from the port 33 to pass by the ports 45 out through the port 51 in the form of modulated increments of air pressure so as to move the diaphragm 13, the plunger being maintained in contact therewith. and consequently the master cylinder piston l1 so as to apply the hydraulic pressure through the pipe SI tp the brake cylinders for applying the brakes. "Accumulatingpressure in the chamber 44 will close the inlet valve 42, against the yielding foot pressure on the pedal I when the movement of the piston I3 stops atany given point and thereafter partial or entire release of the manual pressure exerted by the pedal I on the liquid supplied to the port I1 will cause the valve 40, 4I to become unseated, thus exhausting the air through the exhaust port 49 and causing-the diaphragm 13 to move to the left under the influence of the spring 18 so as to release the brakes.

While I have described my invention above in detail I wish it to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the same.

I claim:

1. In combination, a work-performing element, a master cylinder having a piston and a liquid compensating reservoir, a pedal for operating the same, a source of pressure fluid differing from the atmosphere pressure, a'movable wall having a casing, a plunger element having a cylinder therefor, said plunger element being operable by the master cylinder and connected to one side of the movable wall, a second plunger element having a cylinder therefor, said second plunger element being operatively connected to the other side of the said wall and having a hydraulic connection to the work-performing element, a conduit connecting the first mentioned plunger cylinder to the master cylinder, a valve having a second conduit leading to said casing for controlling the application of said pressure to the movable wall and means to operate the valve connected to the first mentioned conduit and operable from the master cylinder.

2. In combination, a work-performing element, a master cylinder having a piston and a liquid compensating reservoir, a pedal for operating'the same, a so'urce of iluid pressure differing from the atmospheric pressure, a movable wall having a casing, a plunger having a cylinder therefor, said plunger being operable by the master cylinder and connected to one side of the movable wall, a second plunger having a cylinder therefor, said plunger being operatively connected to the other side of the said wall and having a hydraulic connection to the workperforming element, a conduit connected to the iirst mentioned plunger cylinder to the master cylinder, a valve for controlling the application of said pressure to the movable wall, means to operate the valve connected to the conduit and operable from the master cylinder, and a liquid compensating reservoir connected to the hydraulic connection leading to the work-performing element.

3. In an apparatus of the character described, an enclosed wall, having a casing, ladapted to be moved by a gaseous medium, a plunger and a cylinder therefor, said plunger being operatively connected to said wall, a liquid compensating reservoir for said cylinder, a work-performing part adapted to be moved by the movement of said plunger, a control means for the apparatus, a valve apparatus having a pressure-responsive device, controlled by said means adapted to control the movement oi' said wall in one direction, and means for urging said wall in the opposite direction, said control means comprising a master cylinder having a piston and a liquid compensating reservoir, a hydraulic conduit leading from the master cylinder, and a fluid controlling device, including a second separate dinerent cylinder in communication with the pressure-responsive device and having a conduit connected to the rst mentioned conduit, leading to the master cylinder and plunger means therein connected to the other side of the wall from the first mentioned plunger for operating the workperforming part, constructed to have movement with said wall and constructed so as to coordinate the movement ofthe wall and control means and to operate as a result of the movement of said valve apparatus.

4. In an apparatus of the character described, an enclosed wall, having a casing, adapted to be moved therein, a work-performing part adapted to be moved by the movement oi said plunger, a control means for the apparatus, a valve apparatus having a pressure-responsive device, controlled by said means adapted to control the movement of said wall in one direction, and

6 means for urging said wall in the opposite direction, and a duid controlling device includinga cylinder in communication with the pressureresponsive device and having a conduit leading to the master cylinder, a pressure-increasing plunger connected to said wall and plunger means therein ior operating said part connected to the other side oi the wall from the pressureincreasing plunger, constructed to have movement with the' wall, controlled by said control means and constructed so as to coordinate the movement of the wall and control means and to operate as a result of the movement of said valve apparatus, said pressure-increasing plunger being provided with a second separate diiIerent cylinder having a liquid compensating reservoir, and said pressure-increasing plunger being attached to the plunger of said device.

6. An apparatus comprising a diaphragm. two casing members between which it is clamped, a source of pressure diiIerent from the atmospheric pressure connected to the casing for moving the diaphragm,4 a plunger connected to the movable wall so as to move coordlnately therewith, having a cylinder and a hydraulic connection to a part to be moved to perform work, another hydraulic plunger connected with theother side of the movable wall. an extension on one of said casing members having a cylinder in which the second plunger operates, a seal for the secondplunger between said cylinder and the diaphragm casing,

and an air bleeder between which and said diaphragm the seal is located.

'1. An apparatus comprising a diaphragm. two

casing members between which it is clamped, a

40 ing a cylinder and a hydraulic connection to a means for urging said wall in the opposite direction, said control means comprising a master cylinder having a piston and a liquid compensating reservoir, a hydraulic conduit leading from the master cylinder, and a iiuid controlling device, including a cylinder in communication with the pressure-responsive device and having a conduit, connected to the ilrst mentioned conduit, leading to the master cylinder, a pressure-increasing plunger connected to said wall and plunger means therein connected to the other side of the wall from the pressure-increasing plunger for operating the work-performing part, constructed to have movement with said wall and constructed so as to coordinate the movement of the wall and control means and to operate as a result of. the movement of said valve apparatus, said pressure-increasing plunger being provided with a second separate different cylinder and a liquid compensating reservoir.

5. In an apparatus of the character described,

an enclosed wall, having a casing adapted to be moved therein, a part adapted to be operated hydraulically by the movement of said wall, a manually operable hydraulic control means for mov- `part to be moved to perform work, another hydraulic plunger connected with the other side of inder, having a liquid compensating reservoir,

connected to said cylinder.

8. An apparatus comprising a diaphragm, two

casing members between which it is clamped, a source of pressure different from the atmospheric pressure connected to the casing for moving the diaphragm, a plunger connected to the movable wall having a cylinder and a hydraulic connection to a part to be moved to perform work, another hydraulic plunger connected with the other side of the movable wall, an extension on one of said casing members having a cylinder in which the second plunger operates, a seal for the second plunger between said cylinder and the diaphragm casing, an air bleeder between which and said diaphragm the seal is located, and a pressure-fluid controlling pressure-responsive valve, having a conduit, hydraulically connecting the valve to said cylinder.

9. An apparatus comprising a diaphragm, two casing members between which it is clamped, a source of pressure diil'erent from the atmospheric pressure connected to the casing for moving the diaphragm, a plunger connected to the movable wall having a cylinder and a. hydraulic connection to a part to be moved to perform work, anotherhydraulic plunger connected with the other side' of the movable wall, an extension on `one of' said casing members having a cylinder in'which thel second plunger operates. a seal for the second plunger between said cylinder and the diaphragm casing. an air bleeder between which,

diaphragm. a plunger connected to the movable wall having a cylinder and a hydraulic connection to a part to be moved to perform work, another hydraulic plunger connected with the other side of the movable wall, an extension on one of ,said casing members having a cylinder in which the second plunger operates, a seal for the second plunger between said cylinder and the diaphragm casing, an air bleeder between which and said diaphragm the seal is located, a pressurefluid controlling pressure-responsive valve hydraulically connected to said cylinder, and having a conduit, containing means to operate said valve, said conduit being located, outside said casing leading to said casing to control the admission of the pressure fluid to the diaphragm.

l1. An apparatus comprising a diaphragm, two

casing members between which it is clamped, a

source of pressure different from the atmospheric pressure connected to the casing for moving the diaphragm, a plunger connected to the movable wall having a cylinder and a hydraulic connection to a part to be moved to perform work, another hydraulic plunger connected with the other side of the movable wall, an extension on one of said casing members having a cylinder in which the second plunger operates, a seal for the second plunger between said cylinder and the diaphragm casing, an air bleeder between which and said diaphragm the seal is located, a master cylinder, having a liquid compensating reservoir, connected to said cylinder, a pressure-fluid controlling pressure-responsive valve hydraulically connected to said cylinder, and having a conduit, containing means to operate said valve, said conduit being located, outside said casing and leading to said casing to control the admission of the pressure fluid to the diaphragm.

l2. In combination, a master cylinder having a piston and a liquid compensating reservoir, a pedal for operating the same, a valve mechanism being provided with a connection controlled by the liquid received from the master'cylinder, a source of a fluid pressure differing from the atmospheric pressure, controlled by the valve mechanism, a wall movable by said pressure, a plunger connected to the movable wall, said plunger having a chamber provided with a communication hydraulically connected to the master cylinder to exert pressure on the movable wall from the master cylinder by means of said cylinder and chamber exerting a direct thrust on the movable wall and said wall having a casing connected to said source of fluid pressure to receive fluid from said source, a plunger in a cylinder operated by said wall and said rst mentioned plunger and arranged to receive the comasoman 8 bined forces from 'the pedal and the pressure uid. supplied by liquid from said plunger, to a work-performing means, and a liquid compen-.

sating reservoir connected tol said conduit.

i3. In combination, a master cylinder having a piston and a Iliquid compensating reservoir. a pedal for operating the same, a valve mechanism being provided with a connection controlled by the liquid received from the master cylinder, a source of a fluid pressure differing from the atmospheric pressure, controlled by the valve mechanism, a wall movable by said pressure said wall having a casing connected to said source of fluid pressure, a plunger in a cylinder operated by said wall. a second plunger operable with the movable wall and a chamber for said plunger having a communication connected to the master cylinder to apply pressure against said movable wall by means of said second plunger and chamber exerting a direct thrust on said movable wall and therefrom onto the first mentioned plunger, a conduit for liquid, supplied by liquid from said plunger. to a work-performing means, and a liquid compensating reservoir connected to said conduit 14. In combination, a master cylinder having a piston and a liquid compensating reservoir, a pedal for operating the same, a valve mechanism being provided with a connection controlled by the liquid received from the master cylinder, a source of a fluid pressure diiering from the atmospheric pressure, controlled by the valve mechanism, a Wall movable by said pressure said wall having a casing connected to said source of fluid pressure, a plunger in a cylinder operated by said Wall, a second plunger operable with the movable wall and located on the opposite side thereof from the first mentioned plunger, a chamber for said second plunger having a communication connected to themaster cylinder to apply pressure against said .movable Wall by means of said second plunger and chamber exerting a direct thrust on said movable wall and therefrom onto the rst mentioned plunger, a conduit for liquid, supplied by liquid from said plunger, to a work-performing means, and a liquid compensating reservoir connected to said conduit.

15. In combination, a work-performing element, a master cylinder having a piston and a liquid compensating reservoir, a pedal for operating the same, a source of fluid pressure differing from the atmospheric pressure, a movable wall having a casing, a plunger element having a cylinder therefor, said plunger element being operable by the master cylinder and connected to one side of the movable wall, a second plunger element having a cylinder therefor, said second plunger element being operatively connected to the other side of said wall and having a hydraulic connection to the work-performing element, a conduit connecting the first mentioned plunger cylinder to the master cylinder, a valve having a second conduit leading to said casing for controlling the application of said pressure to the movable wall, and a valve plunger means to operate the valve, having a second casing, connected to the first mentioned conduit and operable from the master cylinder.

16. In combination, a work-performing element, a master cylinder having a piston and a liquid compensating reservoir, a pedal for operating the same, a source of fluid pressure differing from the atmospheric pressure, a movable wall having a casing, a plunger element having a cylinder therefor, said plunger element being operable by the master cylinder and connected to one side of the movable Awail, a second plunger element having a cylinder therefor, said second plunger element being operatively connected to the other side of said wall and having a hydraulic connection to the work-performing element, a conduit connecting the rst mentioned plunger cylinder to the master cylinder,'a valve having a second conduit leading to said casing for controlliing the application of said pressure to the movable wall, and a valve plunger means to operate the valve, having a second casing, connected to the first mentioned conduit and operable from the master cylinder, and said valve comprising a fitting removably connected to said second casing, which tting has a connection to said source of uid pressure, as well as a venting connection.

EDWARD A; ROCKWELL.

REFERENCES CITED 'The following references are of recordin the ille of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENT 

